Jamia Masjid has always been an eyesore for ruling regime: JRL

Srinagar, May 26: The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik while strongly condemning the use of “brute” force including lethal pellets on the devotees at Jamia Masjid on Friday said that government forces resorted to disproportionate use of force against youth, namazis, pedestrians and even shopkeepers of Jamia Market.

In a statement issued here, JRL said that forces deliberately turned the entire Jamia Masjid and its adjoining areas into a battlefield which reflects the “worst form of state terrorism” and deserves strong condemnation.

JRL blamed the heavy deployment of forces around Jamia Masjid ahead of Friday prayers for the situation and tension that arose in the area in which dozens of people received injuries due to pellet firing. It said without any reason, Jamia Masjid premises are turned into a military garrison which later leads to tension in the area.

“Jamia Masjid has always been an eyesore for the ruling regime which wants to target the centrality of Kashmir’s spiritual centre and discourage people from coming there,” JRL said adding, “The pulpit of Jamia Masjid has always voiced justice for people in the light of Islamic teachings and has represented the aspirations of an occupied people and will continue to do so till the people of Kashmir are given their rights and their aspirations are fulfilled.”

Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik said that every time any incident happens in the valley, Jamia Masjid and the downtown areas become the first targets of the rulers who impose curbs and curfews causing great distress to the population there. Even Friday prayers are repeatedly barred as government displays its military might that day to ensure nobody reaches the grand masjid, they said.

JRL said that no genuine struggle can be crushed through military might and that the use of lethal pellets can’t break the resolve of people of Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders said the Jamia Masjid is the religious and spiritual centre of Kashmir and no move by the government to weaken its sanctity would be tolerated.

“If government didn’t stop its ploys to damage the sanctity and sacredness of the grand masjid, a sustained campaign will be started and entire responsibility will then lie on the ruling dispensation,” Mirwaiz and Malik said. (GNS)